Key Takeaways
∙ Lilli’s Song is set in the quiet town of Skyport, Texas, where 14-year-old Lilli Park mysteriously disappears.
∙ The novel weaves together elements of suspense, faith, and the supernatural, making it a compelling read for Christian mystery enthusiasts.
∙ Christian themes play a significant role in the story, shaping the characters’ actions and offering messages of hope and redemption.
∙ The community of Skyport is deeply affected by Lilli’s disappearance, with some residents speculating that she was abducted by aliens.
∙ A list of the book’s major characters follows the review. (To jump directly to the list, highlight Character List, then click Ctrl-F to open a search window and click the “down” arrow.)
Personal note
It dawned on me some time ago that perhaps I should write a blog for Lilli’s Song with an accompanying list of characters. I’ve been slow to think of it since I listed the characters at the front of the book. But since I often want to print out the character lists I create for other books, I decided to provide this blog with a downloadable list. It seemed a good time since I have recently changed the cover of the book. So this is something of a fresh start for Lillie’s Song. (Hawaiian Wildflower is next.)
Setting the Scene in Skyport, Texas
Skyport is a small, tight-knit community in the Texas Panhandle where everyone knows each other. It’s the kind of place where nothing out of the ordinary ever happens. The town is peaceful, and the residents take pride in looking out for one another. However, their tranquility is shattered when 14-year-old Lilli Park goes missing.
Lilli’s disappearance sends shockwaves through the town. Skyport’s serene atmosphere is replaced with an air of mystery and tension. The community is left puzzled, and various theories about Lilli’s fate begin to circulate.
The Disappearance of Lilli Park
Lilli Park is a bright, gentle girl loved by her family and admired by her friends. Her sudden disappearance is both shocking and unsettling. As the days go by without any sign of Lilli, the townspeople grow increasingly anxious and desperate for answers.
Some residents speculate that Lilli may have been abducted by a predator, while others entertain the possibility of an alien abduction. Of course, it’s winter, and if she wandered off looking for the lost zebra she had befriended, then got lost or injured, she might be in a lot of trouble. The lack of concrete evidence leaves everyone grasping for explanations.
Christian Themes in Lilli’s Song
One of the most compelling aspects of Lilli’s Song is the incorporation of Christian themes. In the first place, Lilli was a new Christian when she disappeared. She was excited about her faith and eager to understand it.
And in the second place, on the dark side, a demon spirit, masquerading as an alien name Aziz, has made Skyport his headquarters. Aziz does what all evil spirits do – he tries to deceive humans and draw them into his malevolent schemes.
And so, Skyport becomes a microcosm of the perpetual war between good and evil.
Elements of Mystery and Suspense
Elements of mystery and suspense are woven throughout the novel. The uncertainty surrounding Lilli’s disappearance keeps readers on the edge of their seats, eager to uncover the truth. The various theories and speculations add layers of intrigue to the story.
Skyport: A Quiet Town with Secrets
Skyport is a quiet, unassuming town. However, Lilli’s disappearance reveals that even the most peaceful communities can harbor secrets. The novel delves into the lives of the townspeople, uncovering hidden fears and activities.
The tight-knit nature of Skyport means that Lilli’s disappearance affects everyone. The community comes together to search for her, but the uncertainty and fear also lead to tension and distrust among the residents.
UFO and Alien Speculations
One of the more intriguing aspects of Lilli’s Song is the speculation that Lilli may have been abducted by aliens. Based on an event in the town’s past (revealed in Chapter 1), this theory gains traction among certain residents who believe in the existence of extraterrestrial life.
The novel explores the impact of these speculations on the community. Some residents are quick to dismiss the idea as nonsense, while others are open to the possibility. This division adds another layer of complexity to the story.
Appeal to Christian Readers
Lilli’s Song is particularly appealing to Christian readers due to its strong spiritual themes and positive portrayal of faith. The novel reinforces Christian values such as compassion, evangelism, and spiritual strength. Hopefully, the book provides a sense of comfort and reassurance to readers, reminding them of the power of faith in overcoming challenges. It was my desire for Lilli’s Song to be not only an entertaining mystery but also a spiritually uplifting experience.
The Importance of Faith-Based Fiction
Faith-based fiction holds a unique place in literature. It provides readers with stories that not only entertain but also inspire and uplift. These novels often explore themes of hope, redemption, and the power of faith, offering readers a sense of comfort and reassurance. They can be a source of strength during difficult times, reminding readers to maintain their faith and stay positive.
We Christians often complain about the unsavory books and movies being produced today. (For good reason!) I want to encourage readers of this blog to support Christian authors and filmmakers. The only way we will be able to compete with worldly amusements is for perceptive, God-loving people to buy our products and write glowing reviews about them. (If you think good, clean stories are boring, you’re not paying attention. Check out my blog about Christian mystery novels: Christian Mysteries: Why I Love Them!)
Lilli’s Song as a Source of Inspiration
Lilli’s Song is an example of faith-based fiction. The novel’s exploration of themes such as hope and redemption makes it an inspiring read. Lilli’s disappearance and the community’s efforts to find her highlight the importance of coming together in times of crisis. Faith can bring people together, providing them with the strength and determination to overcome challenges. Lilli’s Song is more than just a mystery novel; it’s a testament to the power of faith and the resilience of the human spirit.
Character List for Lilli’s Song
- Kip Fletcher – World History teacher at Skyport High School and author of historical novels
- Named members of Mr. Fletcher’s second-period World History class of freshmen:
∙ Zion (pronounced Zee-awn) Johnson
∙ Nobu (Nobby) Tanaka
∙ Palmer Evans – quarterback and captain of freshman football team
∙ Camilla Rodriguez
∙ Lilli Park
∙ Jasmine Clark
∙ Marion Rogers – science nerd - Coaches and named members of Skyport’s varsity basketball team
∙ Shad Harris – head coach
∙ Len Josephs – assistant coach
∙ Elroy (Royal) Douglas – junior
∙ Morton (Hyper) Hooper – junior, point guard
∙ Titus Murphy – sophomore, student trainer
∙ Kent Spencer – senior - Hubble – Lilli’s zebra
- Adolf – Royal’s Doberman Pinscher
- Aziz (pronounced uh-zēz) – leader of the Soterians
- Named teachers in Mr. Fletcher’s lunch bunch:
∙ Sadie Sharp – World History teacher
∙ Len Josephs – U.S. History teacher (and assistant varsity basketball coach)
∙ Tulsa Grant – English teacher
∙ Laurel Tanner – Biology teacher - Bryce Douglas – Royal’s father, a prison warden
- Anna Park – Lilli’s mother, a certified nurse midwife
- Treena Wood – high school senior, treasurer of Student Council
- Darron Vance – one of Mrs. Sharp’s students
- Myles (Falcon) Dyer – ex-con whose brothers, Condor and Hawk, are still in prison
- DeDe Fletcher – Kip’s wife who manages his book sales
- Riley Wood – Treena’s Dad, youth pastor at their church (Community of Faith)
- Donte Rhodes – wide receiver on freshman football team, Palmer Evans’s best friend
- Members of the SWH (Sowers, Waterers, Harvesters) prayer group:
∙ Andrew Paxton, senior
∙ LaDawn Hardy, junior
∙ Jarred Norman, junior
∙ (Also, Treena Wood, Nobby Tanaka, Lilli Park, and Jasmine Clark – already mentioned above) - Caleb Carson – detective for Skyport Police Department
- Judson Wheeler – owner of farm close to the Douglas farm, a search team leader
- Shawna Douglas – Royal’s missing mother
- Irene, Judith, and Karon – Anna’s grown daughters
- Malcolm Park – Anna’s ex-husband, a petrochemical engineer
- Asa Latimer (Doc) – Skyport veterinarian
- Lucas Moreno – county sheriff
- Abe Blanchard – farmer north of Skyport
- Kandi Park – Malcolm’s wife
- Diego Calderon – owner of garage where Falcon works
- Tandy Koch – real estate agent
- Kasi Mann – accountant
- Peyton Starr – defense attorney
- Peg Norman – Skyport P.D.’s internet guru
- Maisie Spencer – Kent’s mother
- Lillianna – Anna’s granddaughter
- Wade Lambert – well-known Texas defense attorney
- Mason Atkins – Texas state senator
- Molly Atkins – Mason’s deceased first wife
- Kolton, 10 years old, and Kraig, 8 years old – sons of Malcolm and Kandi Park
Here is a downloadable character list for Lilli’s Song:
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Here’s a link to Lilli’s Song on amazon.com: Lilli’s Song
Here are links to my blog indexes, which will make it quick and easy for you to find another post to read.
Blog Index – Lists blogs 1-35
Blog Index 2 – Lists blogs 36 to 70
Blog Index 3 – Will list blogs 71-100